I know I can’t be the only one that wondered where October went! The team at GGHI is actively preparing for 2021 while reflecting on our strategic plan and setting goals for next year. As I personally navigate still being “new” to the Harbor and building relationships in the midst of a pandemic I am also deeply thankful for what this opportunity has provided me. I’m thankful to the board of GGHI that is not only supportive of the GGHI team, but also of the community. I am grateful for the community pride demonstrated by the people I have met – via Zoom or otherwise and I’m appreciative for the graciousness of all local governments and organizations that have welcomed me to their meetings to discuss the accomplishments of GGHI and what we are looking to do in the future.
With the start of November also comes the start of the holiday season and that means holiday shopping too. This month’s CEO letter focuses on how businesses can improve their online presence, connect with local customers and protect their employees.
Small Business Roundtable – Using your GGHI Membership to Build Business
Did you know that the GGHI Online Directory has had nearly 80,000 views over the past 12 months? Of those businesses listed in the directory their category pages have been viewed almost 50,000 times and over 2,000 customers were referred to local businesses directly from the online listing!
If you want to learn more about how your listing is performing or learn how to leverage the features of your membership to benefit your business please join us for a virtual training with GGHI CEO Lynnette Buffington on Thursday, November 19th at Noon. Please register in advance via this link.
Global Entrepreneurship Month
November is Global Entrepreneurship Month in Washington State. This annual celebration is for those who want to realize their dream of owning and operating their own business. It is inspired by and builds upon Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 16-22), a global event that hosts entrepreneur activities around the world.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has created four weeks of live online and on-demand training to support any size and tenured business. To learn more about the offerings visit the Start Up Washington site at this link.
Labor and Industries (L&I) “Need to Know” Workshop
Are you an employer with questions about current Labor and Industries requirements? These requirements look different in the face of COVID-19 and employers need to keep up with changing guidelines. Greater Grays Harbor Inc., in partnership with Thurston EDC Center for Business and Innovation, is presenting a comprehensive online course offering need to know rules, regulations and requirements. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18th from 1-4pm and interested participants can register here.
Member Dues Relief Fund
It’s no secret that this year has been tough on all of our businesses and hard decisions about expenses are being made by many business owners. These tough decisions might include whether or not to maintain investment in Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. The team at GGHI doesn’t want any business to lose the benefit of a GGHI membership, especially the benefit of having a web listing in our online directory. With over 25% of our members not having a website and 45% not reporting a Facebook page in their online listing we know that the GGHI Online Directory acts as the primary, if not only web presence for many businesses in the Harbor. Without a constant and reliable web presence, local businesses are not able to connect effectively with potential customers.
In partnership with Port of Grays Harbor tenant, Renewable Energy Group (REG), we have built a Members Dues Relief Fund to support the continued investments of eligible members for their next membership year. In the coming days we will be reaching out to eligible businesses and organizations to offer this opportunity. We are so thankful for REG’s investment in this effort and appreciate their support of a strong local economy.